NGT orders DU to ensure paper friendly elections

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed Delhi University to ensure that the upcoming Students Union elections, unlike the last year, do not involve the wastage of paper in the form of pamphlets, posters etc. in and around the campuses.
The notice which came on 18th July was a result of the petition filed by Nitin Chandra who is a first year student of law at Delhi University. Saddened by the flooding of campuses with posters and pamphlets which led to huge wastage of paper in the 2015 DUSU elections, Chandra filed a petition against the same with an objective to make college campuses environmentally conscious and aware.

The NGT acknowledged the environmental pollution caused by paper abuse and also emphasised on certain parts of the Lyngdoh Committee ( a supreme court established body to regulate Students Union Polls) to be implemented in the upcoming elections.

The NGT notice directs “To only allow candidates contesting elections or their pre-notified student agents to utilise handmade posters at certain notified places, not exceeding two on each campus; shall strictly enforce the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations and for that purpose frame rules or incorporate provisions even to the extent of disqualifying the concerned contestants- for implementation of the said recommendations including these directions shall take steps to move towards paperless canvassing/ campaigning in student elections in the manner aforesaid in accordance with law within two months.”

The NGT also condemned the massive abuse of paper pamphlets/ posters which gave an ugly look to campus premises and also restrained DUSU from pasting pamphlets etc. on the walls in the DU Campus as well as on the public streets.

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